Duane, CB4: Hell’s Kitchen Will Have 1,026 More Kids Than Schools Can Handle by 2019

August 11, 2009

School overcrowding seems to follow the revitalization of New York neighborhoods, and Hells’ Kitchen — known to some by its post-gentrification name Clinton — may soon be getting its hyper-influx. State senator Tom Duane and Manhattan Community Board 4 have compiled a report that claims planned residential construction will add 1,350 new elementary school students to the neighborhood by 2019 — and that only a few currently-existing schools have room to take them up. Even with the planned expansion of P.S. 51, that would leave three-quarters of the new students — 1,026, by their count — in the lurch. Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Congressman Jerry Nadler add expressions of support, and Duane says “We are sounding the alarm now and we are inviting all parties to work toward a solution.” He took suggestions at a press conference today, but this really puts the ball in the DOE’s and the School Construction Authority’s court. Update: The release and report are here. Photo (cc) woodleywonderworks.